Monday, June 10, 2019

Release Date Announced for New Benedict Cumberbatch Film


An Oregon-based business student, Cody Gotchall enjoys volunteering at local animal shelters and soup kitchens. Beyond his educational and philanthropic endeavors, Cody Gotchall enjoys watching TV shows like Elementary, Person of Interest, and Sherlock. He counts Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch as his favorite actor. 

Since first starring as Sherlock's titular character in 2010, Cumberbatch has had lead roles in popular films like Star Trek Into Darkness, The Imitation Game, and Doctor Strange. In May it was announced that his latest film, The Current War, will be released nationwide in October 2019 by 101 Studios. It was originally scheduled for a November 2017 release, but experienced delays. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2017, but has since been cut by 10 minutes and has five new scenes.

The Current War details the competitive relationship between inventors Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse to determine whose electrical system would power the country in the new century. Cumberbatch plays the role of Edison, while Westinghouse is portrayed by Michael Shannon. The cast also includes Tom Holland, Katherine Waterston, and Matthew Macfadyen. It was written by Michael Mitnick and directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon.

Tuesday, June 4, 2019

OSU Catcher Adley Rutschman Generating Draft Buzz


A member of the board of directors of The Arc of Benton County, Cody Gotchall is working toward earning a transfer degree in business online. Cody Gotchall is a fan of baseball and has enjoyed following the Oregon State University (OSU) Baseball team since he was in middle school.

This year's OSU Beavers baseball team is led by one of the most-hyped prospects since Bryce Harper. Despite his success working with the team's pitching staff as a freshman, catcher Adley Rutschman struggled at the plate, hitting just .234 in the regular season and .164 the following fall in the Cape Cod League. He worked extensively on his swing during the offseason and returned to Oregon for the 2018 season as one of the best college players in the country. 

Rutschman registered a .408 batting average during his sophomore season and earned recognition as Most Outstanding Player during the 2018 College World Series. Now in his third season, the switch-hitting catcher boasted a .427 batting average to go along with 16 home runs as of May 22. As a result, he is expected to go first overall in this year's MLB Draft. Only one catcher, Joe Mauer, has been drafted in that position since 1975.

Monday, May 20, 2019

Three Helpful Tips for Effective Self-Advocacy


Cody Gotchall is an Oregon-based student working online toward a transfer degree in accounting. Aside from his academic responsibilities, Cody Gotchall enjoys volunteering in his community and serving on the Arc of Benton County board of directors as a self-advocacy representative.

Self-advocacy is the ability to express yourself and stand up for your interests. Self-advocacy skills can help you make life decisions more easily and have more control over what is best for you. Below are three useful tips for good self-advocacy.

1. Know your rights. Be aware of your lawful rights and recognize that you are entitled to equal rights according to the law. If unsure of your rights, find out about them through disability rights programs, community support groups, crisis hotlines, social networking, classes, and workshops.

2. Talk about your questions and concerns. Write down questions and concerns and discuss them by phone, in person, or in a letter with the relevant party. Speak politely while communicating your wants and listen carefully to the answers and explanations provided. If clarification is needed, ask for it.

3. Keep a written record of important information and decisions. Get information in writing by asking for it. If someone states something is a law, procedure or policy, ask for a written copy of it, or find out where it can be viewed. If you don’t agree with a particular decision, ask for the decision and the reasons behind it to be provided in a written format.

Monday, May 13, 2019

Key Highlights of Freddie Highmore’s Film Career


A resident of Corvallis, Oregon, Cody Gotchall currently takes online classes and is studying accounting. Outside of his academic pursuits, Cody Gotchall enjoys volunteering, playing cribbage, and watching the television series The Good Doctor.

The Good Doctor is about a young surgical resident with savant syndrome and autism who moves away from a peaceful country lifestyle to work in the prestigious surgical unit at St. Bonaventure Hospital. The main character, Dr. Shaun Murphy, is played by actor Freddie Highmore. A brief overview of Freddie Highmore’s highly successful film career is presented below.

Freddie Highmore became well known in the film industry as a young child and earned recognition early on as Empire Award's Most Promising Newcomer. He also won a Film Critics’ award for the World's Best Young Actor on two occasions. Mr. Highmore became most famous for his role in the film Neverland when he played the character of Peter and has also been seen in the films Two Brothers, Women Talking Dirty, A Good Year, August Rush, and Five Children and It, among others. Freddie Highmore also made his debut as a director after writing episodes for Bates Motel, an Emmy-nominated show in which he played Norman Bates and earned the People's Choice Award for Best Actor.

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Tasty Side Dishes to Pair with Barbequed Ribs


Thursday, April 18, 2019

Four Surprising Health Benefits of Donating Blood


A student and volunteer, Cody Gotchall is an active member of the community through his participation in nonprofit programs. Since 2012, Cody Gotchall has donated blood to the American Red Cross.

According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds. Donating blood could save these peoples’ lives. However, the benefits of donating blood are not limited to blood recipients only. Donors also benefit from donating blood.

1. Reduced risk of iron overload and its resulting conditions. Excess absorption of iron in the body, whether because of genetics, alcoholism, or anemia, increases the risk of health conditions like hemochromatosis. Also, the excess iron is usually stored in organs like the heart and liver, increasing the risk of cardiovascular and liver issues. Donating blood reduces iron overload. 

2. Reduced risk of cancer. Research shows that donating blood at least once every year reduces the risk of cancer. This is because iron accelerates free radical damage in the body that may result in cancer. Reducing iron reserves through blood donation reduces the likelihood of liver, colon, lung, and esophagus cancers. 

3. Stimulates blood cell production. Donating blood stimulates the body to produce new blood cells for good overall health. 

4. Free medical check-up. The blood donation process involves a trip to the doctor and access to medical tests which can reveal potential health problems.

Saturday, April 13, 2019

Reasons to Try Boating


Cody Gotchall studied STEM subjects at Oregon State University. He also studied accounting at the Linn Benton Community College. When free, Cody Gotchall enjoys boating.

Boating can be very rewarding and stress-relieving. A boating experience targets the mental processes that can increase one’s ability to focus and concentrate. Aside from its effects on health, boating also promotes bonding. Although boating alone is possible, going with a group brings greater satisfaction. Doing things together, such as racing, cruising, or anchoring, encourages stronger relationships. Sailing may offer significant opportunities to build a team.

Boating teaches craftsmanship. When sailing, there may be instances when something needs to be fixed or improved on a boat that must be personally done. For this reason, a boater must be able to learn basic fixes and improvements, such as fixing a leaked plug, repainting, or changing the engine oil.

Boating develops skills and confidence. Sailing requires decision-making, sometimes quickly. Although not life-threatening, a boater must be alert, quick, and confident in unexpected situations, such as when strong winds or waves arise. He or she must practice their skills and be confident while staying calm and relaxed to handle the situation.

Monday, April 8, 2019

Recreational Programs of the Arc of Benton County


An Oregon resident, Cody Gotchall studied STEM courses at Oregon State University. He then took accounting through the iLearn program of Linn Benton Community College. Also focused on volunteer efforts, Cody Gotchall acts as a self-advocacy representative for the Arc of Benton County.

The Arc of Benton County advocates that every person with an intellectual or development disability deserves to be treated with respect, dignity, equality, and security. The Arc also believes that intellectual and developmental disabilities do not define an individual. Instead, their strengths, abilities, and values must be highlighted. Furthermore, it has created programs for engagement in visual arts, literary arts, performing arts, and other social opportunities.

For more than six decades, the Arc has developed recreational programs that focus on the arts. One program involves learning and developing painting skills while building friendships in class. Completed artworks are then displayed for sale in art shows, wherein artists get to keep 80 percent of the proceeds. 

Another program welcomes ArtFocus students to showcase their skills in poetry reading through businesses such as Imagine Coffee. Still another program invites students who are interested in performing. After regular practices, the DramaSquad performs annually at the Majestic Theater in Corvallis. Finally, the Lego Team encourages building relationships by expressing ideas with others with a shared interest in Legos.

Thursday, March 14, 2019

How to Introduce a New Dog to a Home with an Established Dog


Undergraduate Cody Gotchall spends much of his time studying and volunteering with local causes. Cody Gotchall has expressed his interest and experience in dog training to his volunteer work with animal rescue centers. 

People who are interested in adopting or fostering a pet can contact an animal rescue organization to see if any animals are in need of a home. However, the following precautions should be taken if a dog is to be introduced into a home with other dogs:

1. Have a play-date. Established submissive dogs are generally more tolerant of newcomers than dogs with dominant personalities. Either way, before owners bring a new dog home, the two animals should meet on neutral territory. Many rescue centers or breeders will help arrange pre-adoption meetings in a dog-safe location.

2. Use scent. Dogs closely associate familiar smells with security and safety. To make the transition easier for both dogs, owners should give the established dog a towel infused with the scent of the new animal so the dog can get accustomed to the new dog’s scent. The same should be done for the newcomer. 

3. Feed the dogs separately. Dogs can be possessive over food, which may lead to aggression toward a new member of the household. Initially, the dogs should be fed in separate areas. During the transition period, treats should be dispensed only when the dogs are apart.

Saturday, March 9, 2019

Season Six of Madam Secretary Remains Unknown


Oregon resident Cody Gotchall, a life-long math enthusiast, is pursuing a degree in accounting. In his free time, Cody Gotchall enjoys playing cribbage and watching television dramas, including the series Madam Secretary

Starring actress Tea Leoni as fictional United States Secretary of State Elizabeth McCord, the intriguing political drama has aired on the CBS network since 2014. While the series is now in syndication, CBS has yet to announce if Madam Secretary will return for the 2019-2020 season. 

The show’s behind-the-scenes depiction of international diplomacy and political life has been popular with viewers. Madam Secretary has featured a host of famous cameos, including guest appearances by former Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton, Colin Powell, and Madeleine Albright. 

An average of 14 million people tuned in every week during the show's first season. However, audience numbers dropped about 10 percent between season four and season five. As a result, fans must wait to see if the series will be renewed for next year.

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Ways to Improve Mental Math Skills


A college student in Oregon, Cody Gotchall has interests in accounting and math. Cody Gotchall also enjoys crunching numbers and playing cribbage with his family.

Being good at mental math sounds more difficult than it is. Here are a few ways to improve mental math skills:

- Play more games. Games like chess require basic calculation skills. Effective chess players must look ahead several moves to figure out which possible next move is best. As you play more often, your ability to make calculations based on future moves improves.

- Simplify the numbers. When doing math in your head, simplify the numbers to make them more manageable. For example, adding 493 and 880 in your head is difficult. But if you simply round 493 to 500, add 880 to get 1,380, then subtract the 7 that was added when you rounded up, you’ll get the final answer of 1,373.

- Learn multiplication tricks. For example, when a number is multiplied by 5, the answer ends in either 0 or 5. Another trick: multiplying by 12 is the same as multiplying by 10, then adding the number multiplied by 2. For instance, 12 times 6 is the same as 10 times 6 plus 2 times 6.

Monday, January 28, 2019

Balancing Humility and Confidence


College student Cody Gotchall is enrolled in an online learning program in accounting. Dedicated to helping others, he has volunteered with numerous organizations over the years. Cody Gotchall is particularly passionate about advocacy for disabled individuals and recognizes the challenge of balancing humility and confidence when performing such work.

Finding the right balance between these traits is an essential skill. Confidence refers to a feeling that comes from appreciation of one’s own qualities or abilities, but it requires self-awareness. Too much confidence often leads to arrogance. Conversely, while humility involves having a modest view of one’s importance, it can turn into self-deprecation if not properly managed.

To find a balance between the two, people must figure out where they stand in both areas. If they are overconfident, they likely express minimal interest in learning about others, and treat waiters and other service workers differently than they would a colleague. They can correct the issue by acknowledging when they don’t know something, sharing their mistakes, and seeking different viewpoints.

People with too much humility often shy away from actions like starting salary negotiations with their bosses. Further, they often have a list of things they wish they had said or done. To boost their confidence, these individuals can practice confident body language, such as frequent eye contact. Beyond that, they can learn to accept compliments, take risks, and let go of failures.

Monday, January 14, 2019

How Service Dogs and Therapy Dogs Differ


Cody Gotchall, an Oregon college student enrolled in e-learning courses in pursuit of an accounting degree, advocates for people with autism and traumatic brain injuries. This diagnosis has sparked his interest in volunteer opportunities related to people with disabilities. In addition, Cody Gotchall has begun looking into the capabilities of service dogs for people with autism.

Although many people believe service dogs and therapy dogs are the same, there is a big difference between the two when it comes to their training, capabilities, and protections in the United States.

Service dogs typically receive more training and have more legal protections. These animals help individuals perform tasks they would otherwise struggle to complete on their own. Most service dogs are large enough to control their owner when wearing a harness; however, they also need to be small enough that a person can easily control them. The most popular breeds for service dogs are Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and German shepherds.

Service dogs are allowed by the Americans with Disabilities Act to enter public places where other dogs are not allowed. This includes public transportation, public restaurants, and stores. To denote they are service animals, these dogs often are required to wear a special vest that prohibits petting and signifies they are service animals.

Conversely, therapy dogs are tasked with providing physiological and psychological support. They frequently visit group homes, daycares, schools, and rehabilitation centers to give people with disabilities and other individuals the support they need.

Since therapy dogs have fewer responsibilities, they can be trained by virtually anyone as long as the trainer meets standards for registration and certification. They also can be of varying sizes and breeds, though they are expected to be very easy-going and friendly, as they interact with multiple people per day.

Monday, January 7, 2019

Collegiate Baseball Ranks Oregon State 7th for 2019


Oregon resident Cody Gotchall has studied at higher educational institutions throughout the state, including Oregon State University (OSU). Cody Gotchall maintains an interest in OSU sports and has followed the university’s baseball team for several years.

In December 2018, Collegiate Baseball released its predictive rankings for the top 40 college baseball teams for the 2019 season. According to the publication, the OSU Beavers ranked seventh after winning the NCAA championship this past season. This marks the fourth consecutive year, and the sixth time in the past seven, that OSU has ranked in Collegiate Baseball’s top 10. Other institutions in the ranking include Vanderbilt, Texas Tech, Stanford, and Louisiana State.

Collegiate Baseball also released its predictive All-American teams around the same time. Two players from the Beavers baseball team, Kevin Abel and Adley Rutschman, made the list. A junior, Rutschman batted .408 in 2018, with nine home runs and 22 doubles. Meanwhile, Abel was the only freshman in the country to strike out more than 100 batters.

The publication also named pitchers Jake Mulholland and Bryce Fehmel to the third and second teams, respectively. Altogether, OSU had four players named to Collegiate Baseball’s All-American teams, the most of any team in the US.